Family Fun, Family Run Since 1978!
About Us
We're a True Family Business
The Breneman Family opened the doors of G.Willikers! in 1978. Owners Jill, Jody & Bob have over 100 years of combined experience within these storied walls. Today, they are joined by a third generation to find just the right gift, book or toy for you. Our staff are close-knit extensions of our family who help us create a welcoming & personalized experience for every visitor, and who are always ready to assist you.
Our Vision
We believe that our success is deeply connected to the customers and communities we do business with, and we constantly strive to find new ways to work, play & read together!
A book & a toy, imagine that!
"It’s the things we play with and the people who help us play that make a great difference in our lives." -Fred Rogers
Vendors We Value
"Our books and toys are unabashedly old-fashioned!"
We take great care in who & where they come from. Visit us in-store to shop all of our tried & true products!
Made in the USA
We are proud to offer products made in the USA and right here in New England!
- White Mountain Puzzles: NH
- Harrisville Designs: NH
- Far Out Bubbles: NH
- Susa Creations: ME
- Maple Landmark: VT
- M. Ruskin: NY
Local & In-Store Events
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Ryan T. Higgins
All Ryan T. Higgins BooksSat. March 23rd, 10:30-12
Featuring The Bruce Series, "Penelope Rex" & other titles!
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Kim Ferreira
All Kim Ferreira BooksSat. April 20th, 10:30-12
Featuring book titles "Joy", "R is for Rainbow!" & Greeting Card Collection
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Karel Hayes
All Karel Hayes BooksSat. August 3rd, 10:30-12:30PM
Featuring The Lake Kanakonda trilogy, The Visitor series & other titles!
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Astrid Sheckels
All Astrid Sheckels BooksSat. August 10th, 10:30-12PM
Featuring "Sea Dog Boats", The Hector Fox Tales & other titles!
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Kate DiCamillo
All Kate DiCamillo BooksSat. October 5th, 10:30-1:30PM
Featuring The Norendy Tales series, "The Hotel Balzaar", "Ferris" & many other titles!
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Matt Tavares
All Matt Tavares BooksSat. August 24th 10:30-12pm
Featuring "The Shape of Things" (by author Dean Robbins) & Matt's other titles!
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Where's Waldo?
All Waldo InfoWhere’s Waldo? 25 Waldo’s are hiding in various businesses throughout downtown Portsmouth this July 2024. Pick up your Waldo passport at the Portsmouth Public Library or G.Willikers!
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Fairy House Tour
All Fairy House InfoVisit Portsmouth this September 21st & 22nd for the beloved annual family-friendly outdoor event, Fairy House Tour! You can plan your day and pick up your tickets via the link below.
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Matt Tavares
All Matt Tavares BooksSat. December 1st, 1-3PM (Story/Drawing Demo @ 1:30PM)
Featuring his Holiday Collection & other titles!
Local Love
We are lucky to have so many amazing authors who live locally or very close by!
You can read more about them below.
Ryan T. Higgins
Ryan is an author-illustrator from Kittery, Maine known for the #1 New York Times best-selling book Mother Bruce, which received the E. B. White Read-Aloud Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor. Other popular titles include BE QUIET!, Norman Didn't Do It! and his Penelope Rex series. Ryan resides in Maine with his three children, three dogs, three cats, one gecko, one tortoise, and one wife.
Matt Tavares
New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Matt Tavares was born in Boston, and grew up surrounded by books and reading. Since publishing his first picture book in 2000, Zachary's Ball, Matt has created over twenty more books including Mudball, the Christmas favorite Dasher, and graphic novel Hoops. Matt lives in Maine with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters.
Chris Van Dusen
As an author-illustrator from Portland, Maine, Chris' childhood included many hours drawing pictures with his brothers. After his first published book, Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee, Chris continues to inject his colorful art style into many titles such as If I Built a House, Circus Ship, and the Mercy Watson series. He now lives in a little town on the coast of Maine with his wife Lori and a yellow lab named Opal. They have two sons, Ethan and Tucker.
Kim Ferreira
Kim is a talented oil painter who has over 20 years of painting experience. Her debut picture book, R is for Rainbow, published in June of 2021 showcases her whimsical artwork of animals doing human things. She has also designed a beautiful line of notecards and stickers. She currently resides in Portsmouth, NH with her daughter.
David McPhail
Hailing from Newburyport, MA David began illustrating while attending the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. He illustrated his first book The RUNJUMPBUMP Book by Robert Brooks in 1971. During that same year, he published a story of his own titled In the Summer I Go Fishing. Today he has written & illustrated well over 100 books including his personal favorites Henry Bear’s Park and Pig Pig Grows Up.